Can a Flea Market and a Food Truck Fest Live in Harmony in NoHo?

When it comes to flea markets, the Valley is the neglected stepsister. West Hollywood has an extensive flea market every Sunday at Fairfax High School (which is more like a fashion show at times), Dodger Stadium started hosting a regular weekend flea market last year, and the artsy Silver Lake neighborhood has a twice-monthly vintage and craft fair. The fashion district's Santee Alley is like a flea market every weekend. 

The Valley, even the NoHo Arts District, has few options for buying vintage and homemade crafts. (There are few options to buy anything but food and gym memberships, but that's another story). So when I heard about North Hollywood , I was elated. But I was hesitant when I heard it would be combined with a food truck fest. I am thankful for food trucks like any city walker, but I was worried that the popular mobile feeders would deter customers away from the local vendors. 

On Saturday, I walked to Burbank Boulevard and found the growing line quickly. This is a street that usually has no pedestrians, and after I crossed a few car repair shops and desolate buildings to get there, it was easy to see why. I paid $5 at the front, and received a raffle ticket in return. The lines were already swelling at each food truck, and I smelled grilled pork in the air. People were walking around with hot dogs that were embellished with potato chip rings. I didn't see any fruits or vegetables; maybe they ran out before I arrived.

And, as predicted, the booths were empty. Artists and vendor owners smiled at each passing customer, waiting for a sale. A painter worked quietly in his booth, unaware of the world around him. I stopped to take a few shots of miniature succulents, and the vendor noted that they make excellent photography subjects. I told him I'd be back to buy some when I was done working. Living in an apartment without a garden or nearby grassy field (excluding the residential homes on my block, where trespassing is frowned upon) can be a little dreary. Potted succulents make the best desk pals in situations like these. 

The lines continued to grow at each food truck, and the trash cans overflowed in the first hour. The homeless dogs were smothered with attention, but I don't know if they went home with any locals. A woman asked me if I wanted to take a stress test next to a stack of L. Ron Hubbard books. I politely declined. I told her I know how stressed I am. I didn't expect Scientology to intercept the event, but good flea markets are all about variety. 

I listened as they called out raffle ticket numbers. My number wasn't called. I never win raffles, but I'm not too interested in a hotel room or a spa gift certificate. I heard a dance number starting as I walked toward the succulent booth again. Only a few were missing. I picked four, each small enough to fit in the center of my palm. They would be low maintenance. They just needed to be placed in a spot with consistent sunlight, I was told. When I left, it started to rain.